Cell phone maker Motorola announced plans to buy TTP Communications, a UK-based developer that could help the Schaumburg, IL company focus on mid-tier phones.

"The acquisition will bring valuable silicon IP and phone stack businesses to Motorola," a Motorola spokesperson said. The transaction also will be used as part of Motorolas recently- announced MOTODEV program, a network of support for wireless and mobile application developers for Motorola platforms.

The purchase of TTP is also in line with Motorola's plans to deploy the use of Linux with its handsets. The open-source operating system is used in six Motorola headsets, including the Apple Tunes ROKR E2.

The $192 million acquisition still needs TTP shareholder approval. Motorola licenses TTP's AJAR Java-based framework, which allows the same application to operate on both 2G and 3G &npsphandsets.

Founded in 1988 and employing around 575 workers, the Cambridge, UK-headquarted TTP "is a highly complementary addition to Motorolas technology portfolio," said Ron Garriques, president of Motorola's Mobile Devices unit, in a statement.

TTPs CEO Dr. Tony Milbourn will lead the companys engineering, product development and support. Rob Shaddock, CTO of Motorolas Mobile Devices Group, will head the company.

Motorola last month unveiled the Motorola Q phone, designed to compete with RIM's BlackBerry and Palm's Treo.